‘Cory Monteith Was An Absolute Inspiration,’ Movie Producer Says

Cory’s sudden death stunned people worldwide, including the very last movie producer he worked with in Canada. Read on for all the EXCLUSIVE details on what Cory was really like in person.

Cory Monteith‘s final movie role was in the indie dramedy All The Wrong Reasons, which was filmed exactly a year ago in Canada. One of the film’s producers, Tony Whelan, says Cory had the “biggest heart” and was an “absolute inspiration.”

“We are all just devastated,” Tony tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “Cory was a great man, a real pleasure to work with. We started filming exactly a year ago today near New Brunswick, Canada. He was fabulous.”

Tony’s wife, Gia Milani, wrote the screenplay and directed All the Wrong Reasons. Casting Cory in the film was a dream come true for the first-time director.

Cory plays the role of a store manager in All the Wrong Reasons, a film about the lives of four people who work at a department store. Tony says Cory related to his character because he used to work at a department story, but the role was still a risk for him.

“We sent Cory the script and he loved it,” Tony said. “Cory took a bit of a chance with this project. The character he plays, James Ascher, is completely different from the character he plays in Glee. He did a great job in the role.”

Tony says Cory was easy to work with because he was an extremely hard worker.

“He would film here in Canada Monday though Friday and then jump on a plane to attend Glee-related publicity events, and then take the red-eye flight on Sunday to resume filming,” Tony said. “A complete pro.”

Cory Monteith ‘Had An Impact On Everyone,’ Producer Says

Tony says Cory exceeded all of his expectations, professionally and otherwise.

“He would give people lifts home after filming. He was the type of person who just had an impact on everyone,” Tony said. “After long days of filming, he would always take the time to talk to his fans and pose for pictures.”

Tony’s wife, Gia, last saw Cory on June 10, her birthday, when she screened the movie in Los Angeles for Cory and a few others.

“He seemed so happy and he loved the film,” Tony said. “We just feel so blessed that we were able to work with him.”

All the Wrong Reasons also stars Kevin Zegers, Emily Hampshire and Karine Vanasse. The film is expected to be released at the end of 2013.